Diogo Jota will be hoping that he can book his place at this year’s World Cup as his Portugal side need victory in a qualification play-off game.
Speaking to the media ahead of his nation’s game against Turkey (via the Portugal football website), our No.20 said: ‘Obviously there is a lack of players who are used to being here, but we trust everyone, we trust 100% in those who were called to replace them.
‘We have to think about those who are here and what we have to do. There is no need to give too much importance to those who are not’.
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‘It is not the ideal situation, but this is where we are. It has to be faced with a lot of responsibility. It gives us a lot of strength to play for Portugal and we have all the conditions to be in the World Cup”
‘All this is always confirmed on the pitch. Turkey are not an easy opponent, contrary to what you might think. They finished second in the Netherlands group and won one of the games [against the Netherlands]. Portugal can prove on the pitch that it is stronger’.
‘We will still see the tactical aspects during today and tomorrow [Wednesday]. We will address within the selection, but I believe that, in a final, it is about effectiveness, trying to make the most of our opportunities, trying to not suffer and not give the opponent many chances’.
The 25-year-old will now have a much higher level of expectation from his home nation’s supporters, thanks to his brilliant performances for Liverpool.
In a side full of stars, it is amazing that they even need to be in a play-off game to try and book their place in Qatar but the former Wolves man will be hoping he can be the hero.
Fingers crossed it’s a successful break from Merseyside for the attacker and that he returns fully fit and ready for a huge final two months.
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